Full pads to reveal more about Purdue football

Purdue defensive coordinator Greg Hudson acts like he is throwing the ball during practice Tuesday, August 5, 2014, at the Bimel Practice Complex in West Lafayette. Purdue opens their season August 30 against Western Michigan.(Photo: By Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier)Buy Photo

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First day in full pads is Friday

Will the Boilermakers be more physical this season?

After two days of practice, what we've seen from the Boilermakers is this – they look good in jerseys and shorts.

But every team is undefeated without shoulder pads. Full pads go on Friday, the first indication where this team is at from a physical standpoint.

"It's a different game. It's a lot different game," defensive coordinator Greg Hudson said. "With no pads on, you can get skinner than normal."

There's no hiding when everyone is dressed to play. The players finally get to really hit someone, the first time since spring practice. At that point, the separation starts.

What freshmen can handle the contact? Who among the upperclassmen will show improved strength from last season?

We'll see how far this team has come and how productive the offseason in the weight room was. Defensive tackle Jake Replogle put on 30 pounds since the start of last season. Will he dominate? Other players have added muscle. Will it show?

Right now, workouts are focused on being in the right place at the right time. That's still the goal with full pads, but you add the physical element to the equation.

Both sides of the ball have to step up physically. Tuesday's mini-dust up between left tackle David Hedelin and defensive tackle Ra'Zahn Howard should be viewed as a positive. You don't want this every day, but it's always good to see an attitude from the linemen.That was missing last season.

Maybe this will help give the program an identity heading into Darrell Hazell's second year. Friday will be our first chance to see if that's the case.